Beef jerky is one of those snacks that's a guilty pleasure for me. The pleasure is that it's all protein and no carbs, doesn't need to be refrigerated and is a healthier alternative to snacking on chips or a candy bar. The only thing I feel guilty about when eating it are all the chemicals and preservatives that are in the majority of brands you'll find in the store, not to mention all of that added sodium.
Making beef jerky at home is not only possible, it's a lot easier than you'd probably think. Yes, you can go out and purchase a dehydrator, but it can also be made at home in your oven or even by other drying methods (see below). All are simple ways to make your own jerky, with the added health benefit of not worrying about chemicals or preservatives and having a great snack on hand when you have the munchies.
This article appears in Jun 3-9, 2010.